Our Honest Review of Cheetos Cheese Pizza Puffs

Cheetos recently released a new Cheetos flavor that, from what I can tell, has fans pretty divided online. Cheese Pizza Cheetos Puffs, which combine the airy crunch of the classic puff with pizza-inspired seasoning, have become an instant classic to some and a big miss to others. Cheetos has experimented with pizza flavored products in the past, but never in puff form. This is a long-awaited first…and I’m excited to weigh in on the debate with my own “slice” of insight. Ha ha. Pizza puns. 

Before we get into the review, allow me to share this particular truth bomb from Sporked’s managing editor Gwynedd Stuart: “Cheetos Puffs are the best snack ever made.” I’m sorry to anyone who disagrees, but she’s totally right. Imagine a world where you’ve never felt the crisp, teeth-sinking crunch of the perfect puff, licked the cheesy puff dust off your fingers, or held that little orange smile in your hands? The snack aisle would be a dismal place without them. Now, I’m going to state another indisputable fact of life that we all definitely agree on: While some pizza-flavored snacks are great, sometimes they just taste like weird tomato dust. 

Personally, I’ve had my ups and downs with pizza-flavored snacks. Pizza Pringles? Incredible. Lay’s Deep Dish Pizza chips? Not for me (but I get it). For the most part, the acidity in tomato-based seasonings tastes too much like my own stomach acid. You’re so welcome for that little fun fact about me. Anyways, I’m hoping this new Cheetos flavor leans more into the rich, cheesy goodness that Cheetos Puffs are known for, with just the right balance of pizza-inspired seasoning. 

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New Cheetos Flavor!

Cheese Pizza Cheetos Puffs

Walmart

Target

As you can see in Gwynedd’s recorded taste test, we initially gave this new Cheetos flavor 7.5/10 Sporks. I think that’s completely fair, but I’m still going to demote it a little. Here’s why:

Pros: First off, pizza-flavor fans should try this. These pizza Cheetos have enough zest to set them apart from regular old Cheetos Puffs. They have a ketchup-y, ever-so-slightly sweet tomato flavor that’s pleasant enough to munch on. 

Cons: I wish these were cheesier! It’s missing the flavor-blasted component that I really love about Cheetos Puffs. The tomato flavor lingers a touch too long for my tastes, and I think that could be better balanced with more cheddar dust and other pizza-inspired spices. These are just a little bland to me—and as someone who’s already dubious of pizza-flavored snacks, they don’t hit the mark. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

7/10

Sporks